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Abstract:

A toy vehicle track set and target game includes a track section and a
target assembly configured such that the track section aims at or passes
through the target assembly. The target assembly includes a rotatable arm
with at least two targets disposed at opposing ends. Each target may be
removably or movably coupled to the rotatable arm and permanently coupled
to a resilient member, such that each target may intersect at least a
portion of the track section. A resilient member may be removably coupled
to each of the at least two targets and configured to release if the
target is impacted or displaced. Upon release or reconfiguration of a
target, the rotatable arm's center of gravity may move and, thus, change
the frequency, orientation, or velocity or the rotating arm's rotation.

Claims:

1. A toy track set, comprising: a track segment; and a target assembly,
comprising: a rotating arm configured to rotate about an axis
substantially parallel to the track segment; and at least two targets,
each of the targets being removably attached to the rotating arm such
that the targets intersect at least a portion of the pathway of a
projectile traveling along the track segment, wherein the center of mass
of the rotating arm changes following the removal of one of the targets
from the arm.

2. The toy track set of claim 1, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the period of movement of the rotating arm.

3. The toy track set of claim 1, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the orientation of movement of the rotating arm.

4. The toy track set of claim 1, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the velocity of movement of the rotating arm.

5. The toy track set of claim 1, wherein the target assembly includes a
passageway configured to accept the track segment.

6. The toy track set of claim 1, further comprising: a projectile for
displacing one of the targets.

7. The toy track set of claim 1, further comprising: a resilient member
for removably attaching one of the targets to the rotating arm.

8. The toy track set of claim 1, further comprising: a projectile
launcher attached to the track set, wherein the projectile launcher is
adjustable.

9. A toy track set, comprising: a track segment; and a target assembly,
comprising: a rotating arm configured to rotate about an axis
substantially parallel to the track segment; and at least two targets,
wherein each of the at least two targets is configurable between an
extended configuration and a non-extended configuration such that the
targets intersect at least a portion of the track segment when in an
extended configuration, wherein the center of mass of the rotating arm
changes if one of the targets is moved from an extended configuration to
a non-extended configuration.

10. The toy track set of claim 11, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the period of movement of the rotating arm.

11. The toy track set of claim 11, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the orientation of movement of the rotating arm.

12. The toy track set of claim 11, wherein the change in center of mass
alters the velocity of movement of the rotating arm.

13. The toy track set of claim 11, further comprising: an actuator
coupled to the rotating arm to facilitate rotation of the rotating arm
about the axis.

14. The toy track set of claim 15, further comprising: a support
structure, wherein the actuator includes an axle extending through the
support structure and rotatably coupling the rotating arm to the support
structure in an elevated position.

15. The toy track set of claim 11, further comprising: a resilient member
for removably attaching one of the targets to the rotating arm.

16. A toy track set, comprising: a track segment; and a target assembly,
comprising: a structure having a passageway, the track segment and the
passageway defining a path for a projectile; and a target member
rotatably mounted to the structure, the target member comprising: a
support member; a first target portion movably coupled to the support
member; and a second target portion movably coupled to the support
member, the first and second target portions selectively engaging at
least a portion of the path of the projectile, and each of the target
portions being movable relative to the support member when engaged by the
projectile.

17. The toy track set of claim 16, further comprising: an actuator,
wherein the actuator includes an axle extending through the structure and
coupling the actuator to the target member.

18. The toy track set of claim 16, further comprising: a first resilient
member coupled to the first target portion; and a second resilient member
coupled to the second target portion.

19. The toy track set of claim 18, wherein the first and second resilient
members are permanently coupled to the first and second target portions,
respectively, in at least one location.

20. The toy track set of claim 19, wherein the first and second resilient
members are removably coupled to the target member in a configuration
which tensions the resilient members.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent
Application No. 61/480,478, filed Apr. 29, 2011, entitled "Toy Vehicle
Track Set and Target Game," the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to toy vehicle track sets, and more
specifically to tabletop track sets in which toy vehicles are
incorporated and directed towards striking one or more moving targets
found on the track set to accomplish a goal.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Toy vehicle track sets have long been a source of amusement and
activity for children and adults alike. Utilizing one or more track
sections arranged to form a path, toy vehicles are driven about the track
set. In order to increase play value of the track sets, various track
amusement features have been added to the track sets, including
stationary and moving targets. Incorporating targets into track sets has
added a competitive or goal orientated element to the play pattern to
vehicle track sets, and has allowed children to practice their hand-eye
coordination. Examples of toy vehicle track sets with and without targets
are found in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 7,857,679; 7,794,301; 7,628,674; 6,913,508;
4,513,967; 3,713,654; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0049160, the entire disclosures of which are all incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.

[0004] However, the majority of existing track sets which include targets
require similar timing and positioning skills to strike and displace the
included targets. Track sets incorporating movable targets also generally
require the motion of each moving target to generally remain consistent
as it travels about the track. The consistent nature of existing target
track sets provides a less challenging play pattern and may lead to a
loss of interest in the track set over a short period of time.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toy vehicle track set
with multiple detachable targets configured to alter the motion of the
target assembly when one or more of the targets are struck and displaced.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a toy vehicle track set is
provided comprising a track segment and a target assembly. The target
assembly comprises a rotating arm configured to rotate about an axis
substantially parallel to the track segment, and at least two targets
removably attached to the rotating arm, such that the targets intersect
at least a portion of the pathway of the vehicle driving along the track
segment. The rotating arm is further configured to alter the center of
mass of the arm when one or more targets are removed from the arm.

[0007] In another embodiment, the removal of one or more targets from the
arm alters the center of mass of the arm, causing the period of movement
of the arm to change. In another embodiment, the removal of one or more
targets from the arm alters the center of mass of the arm, causing the
orientation of movement of the arm to change. In another embodiment, the
removal of one or more targets from the arm alters the center of mass of
the arm, causing the velocity of movement of the arm to change. In yet
another embodiment, the removal of one or more targets from the arm
alters the center of mass of the arm, causing a combination of the period
of movement, orientation of movement, and/or velocity of movement of the
arm to change.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the track set is at least partially
glow-in-the-dark to enhance play value and entertainment value of the
track set. A glow-in-the-dark effect may be produced by
chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, radioluminescence, derivatives
thereof and/or combinations thereof.

[0009] In another embodiment, the track set further comprises a passageway
for accepting the track segment. The passageway may be devised through
the target assembly. In further embodiments, the passageway may be
adjacent to a portion of track segment to be intersected by the targets.

[0010] In other embodiments, the track set may comprise a projectile for
displacing a target. In further embodiments, the track set comprises a
projectile launcher for launching the projectile intended to displace the
target. In one embodiment, the projectile launcher may be adjustable in
all axes and/or in force.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the track set comprises a resilient
member for attaching a target to a rotating arm. In some embodiments, the
resilient member is permanently coupled to a target in at least one
location. The resilient member may further be removably coupled to the
rotating arm in at least one location, such that the resilient member
experiences tension when coupled to the rotating arm and the target is
coupled to the rotating arm. The resilient member may be comprised of any
fastening means know to one of skill in the art, including, but not
limited to, a peg, a pin, a clip, a button, a snap, a tie, thread, hook
and loop, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0012] In still another embodiment, the target assembly may comprise a
rotating arm configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to
the track segment; and at least two targets, wherein each of the at least
two targets is configurable between an extended configuration and a
non-extended configuration such that the targets intersect at least a
portion of the track segment when in an extended configuration. The
rotating arm is further configured in manner such that the center of mass
may change if a target is moved from an extended configuration to a non
extended configuration.

[0013] In another embodiment, the track set may comprise a pinwheel
coupled to the rotating arm to facilitate rotation about the axis
substantially parallel to the track segment. The track set may also
comprise a support structure, wherein the pinwheel extends through the
support structure, rotatably coupling the rotating arm to the support
structure in an elevated position.

[0014] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be
understood more readily after consideration of the Detailed Description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of a toy vehicle track set
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 provides a rear perspective view of a toy vehicle track set
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 provides a rear perspective view of a toy vehicle track set
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of a toy vehicle track set
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top,"
"bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height," "length," "width," "upper,"
"lower," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer" and the like as may be
used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not
limit the present invention to any particular orientation or
configuration. Further, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc.,
merely identify one of a number of portions, components, positions and/or
points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present
invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0020] FIGS. 1 through 4 provide perspective views of a toy vehicle track
set 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
track set 10 may include a track section and a target, wherein the track
section may be aimed at, travel through, or integral with the target. The
track set 10 may include targets which may be removably coupled to a
rotating arm in order to create an interesting target with varied target
movements and increased play value. The toy set may be designed with any
desirable color scheme, theme or design, such as designed to be partially
glow-in-the-dark.

[0021] In FIG. 1, a toy vehicle track set 10 is shown in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. The track set 10 comprises a
track segment 12 and a target assembly 14. The target assembly 14 may be
configured about track segment 12, and in some instances may encompass
track segment 12. For example, in the present embodiment track segment 12
may pass through the target assembly 14 at passageway 18. Thus, as a
vehicle travels down track segment 12 it may encounter or travel through
target assembly 14.

[0022] Now referring to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the target
assembly 14 may include a support structure 15 and a target member 19
that includes a pivoting arm or support member 20. Support structure 15
may be of any desirable shape and size and may include various indicia in
order to increase the play value of toy vehicle track set 10. For
example, support structure 15 may be shaped as a house and include
indicia to make it resemble a haunted house. Support structure 15 may
also include passageway 18 and opening 21, which may each be any
desirable shape and size and may be disposed at any desirable location on
support structure 15. As mentioned, passageway 18 may allow a toy vehicle
to pass through support structure 15. Additionally, both passageway 18
and opening 21 may include indicia that may, for example, incorporate
passageway 18 and opening 21 into any theme included on support structure
15. In the present embodiment, passageway 18 may be shaped as the mouth
of a ghost while opening 21 is shaped as a window of the house.

[0023] Still referring to FIG. 2, pivoting arm 20 may be rotatably coupled
to support structure 15 and may include at least two targets or target
portions 16 attached at opposing ends. Pivoting arm 20 may be mounted on
the rear surface of support structure 15, but may also include a pinwheel
or actuator 22, may extend or may have an axle 23 extending through
support structure 15 and protrude from the front surface of support
structure 15. In some embodiments, pinwheel or actuator 22 may be mounted
about pivot point C, as seen in FIG. 3, and may serve to rotatably couple
pivoting arm 20 to support structure 15. Thus, rotating pinwheel 22 may
rotate arm 20 and attached targets 16 about point C. However, in an
alternative embodiment, the pivoting arm 20 may be rotated by manually
spinning the arm 20 and accompanying at least two targets 16.

[0024] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the at least two targets 16
may be oriented opposite one another on the arm 20, so as to balance arm
20 and allow for continuous rotation of the arm 20. In other words, when
the at least two targets 16 are attached, pivoting arm 20 may be
configured with a center of mass at about point C, which may be located
in the center of pivoting arm 20. In such an embodiment, each of the at
least two targets 16 may be configured to partially intersect a portion
of track segment 12, allowing a projectile 24 (see FIG. 4) to contact and
displace the at least two targets 16.

[0025] Each of the at least two targets 16 may be displaced because each
of the at least two targets 16 may be removably attached to the rotating
arm 20 through resilient member 26. For example, in the present
embodiment, each of the at least two targets 16 may include at least two
openings 28 which may receive, or be coupled to, a resilient member 26
while arm 20 may include at least two prongs 30 which may be removably
coupled to resilient member 26. The resilient member 26 may be configured
to provide linear tension between arm 20 and target 16 when stretched
between one of the at least two prongs and the at least two openings 28.
Thus, resilient member 26 may provide linear tension in an axis parallel
to and towards the center of arm 20. The resilient member 26 is an
exemplary embodiment of a detachable fastener for removably attaching a
target to an arm. In other embodiments, various other fastening means may
be incorporated, including, but not limited to, a peg, a pin, a clip, a
button, a snap, a tie, thread, hook and loop, derivatives thereof, and
combinations thereof.

[0026] Now referring to FIG. 4, track 12 may be configured in an extended
configuration, such that a projectile 24 strikes target 16 in an axis
substantially perpendicular to arm 20. When a projectile 24 strikes one
of the at least two targets 16 in this manner, the force of the
projectile 24 may overwhelm the force of the resilient member 26, causing
a target 16 to move into a non-extended configuration, in which target 16
may be displaced or uncoupled from the rotating arm 20. This displacement
or uncoupling may decouple resilient member 26 from prongs 30, releasing
the tension in resilient member 26 and may cause resilient member 26 to
pull or shoot the struck target 16, in accordance with methods known in
the art, towards prongs 30 and, eventually, away from track 10. The
pulling or shooting may, for example, be a movement similar to that
experienced by a rubber band when released from a stretched position.

[0027] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, each of the at least two
targets 16 is configured to independently detach from the arm 20 when
stricken by a projectile 24 (see FIG. 4). The target assembly 14 is
further configured such that detaching one of the at least two targets 16
from the arm 20 alters the center of mass of the rotating arm 20. The
altered center of mass of the rotating arm 20 modifies movement of the
arm 20 and attached target(s), providing a second movement that must be
stricken and displaced by the end user. More specifically, once one of
the at least two targets 16 has been displaced, the center of mass of the
arm 20 may shift towards the remaining target 16, advancing arm 20
towards a pendulum type motion.

[0028] In other configurations, the two or more targets 16 may be
removably coupled to arm 20 at various positions to alter the center of
mass of the arm 20, encouraging a variety of movements. In still other
embodiments, the two or more targets 16 may be movably coupled to
rotatable arm 20, such that each target may move between an extended
configuration in which a target 16 may intersect or selectively engage at
least part of track section 12 or the path or pathway of a projectile,
and a non-extended configuration which does not intersect track section
12. The selectively engagement of the target 16 includes the target
obstructing, blocking, or otherwise impeding movement of the projectile
along its path. Changes in the center of mass of the rotating arm 20 may
lead to altered period of movement, orientation of movement, and/or
velocity of movement in the rotating arm 20. Target assembly 14 is
configured to provide a variety of movements dependent upon the location
of the center of mass of the rotating arm 20. As the rotating arm 20
contains at least two targets 16 removably attached to the arm 20, the
number and orientation of targets 14 attached to the arm 20 alters center
of mass, thus changing arm 20 movement. The variety of movements provides
a plentitude of target play configurations.

[0030] The resilient member 26 is defined herein as a bias member which
expands (and recovers) in an at least a generally linear direction,
including, but not limited to, a spring, a resilient plastic, or a
rubber. The resilient member 26 may be fabricated from any suitable
material, or combinations of materials, such as supple natural or
synthetic materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal,
elastomers, polyester, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations
thereof.

[0031] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses
multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of
these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific
embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be
considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The
subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,
functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any
description recites "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof,
such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or
more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.

[0032] While the invention has been described in detail and with
references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the majority of
the elements can be formed of molded plastic. However, in alternative
embodiments, the elements can be formed of a material other than plastic
provided that the material has sufficient strength for the component's
intended function.

Patent applications by Eric Ostendorff, Torrance, CA US

Patent applications by Michael Nuttall, South Pasadena, CA US

Patent applications in class Including extrinsic guide or means cooperable with extrinsic guide

Patent applications in all subclasses Including extrinsic guide or means cooperable with extrinsic guide